That the said Association has adopted as the flag of the State administered by it a blue flag with a golden star in the centre;
That the said Association has resolved not to levy any customs duties on goods or products imported into its territories or carried by the road which has been made round the cataracts of the Congo; this resolution has been adopted to assist commerce to penetrate into Equatorial Africa;
That it insures foreigners who may establish themselves in its territories the right of buying, selling, or leasing lands and buildings therein situated, of establishing commercial houses, and carrying on trade under the sole condition of obeying the law. It engages, moreover, never to grant the citizens of one nation any privilege whatever without immediately extending it to the citizens of all other nations, and to do all in its power to prevent the Slave Trade.
In testimony of which the President of the Association, acting in its behalf, has hereunto affixed his seal and signature.
Berlin, the 23rd day of February, 1885.
(Signed) Strauch.
The Belgian Government takes note of the declarations of the International Association of the Congo, and by these presents recognises the Association within the limits indicated by it, and recognises its flag as on an equality with that of a friendly State.
In testimony of which the Undersigned, being duly authorised thereto, have hereunto affixed their seal and signature.
Berlin, the 23rd day of February, 1885.
(Signed) Comte Auguste van der Straten-Ponthoz.
Baron Lambermont.